Diono Radian 3R vs. Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3R and the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Our Thoughts

The Diono Radian 3R and the Graco 4Ever DLX are both high-quality convertible car seats, designed to grow with your child from infancy through the school years. Both have strong safety features and are well-regarded by parents worldwide.

The Radian 3R's standout feature is its slim profile, making it possible to fit three across in most cars – a game-changer for larger families or those with smaller vehicles. With reinforced steel construction, it offers robust safety and longevity. It provides the ability to switch between rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster modes. However, its weight and size can prove challenging to handle, and some parents report difficulties with installation - especially in more compact cars.

On the other hand, the Graco 4Ever DLX boasts a 5-in-1 design that transitions from an infant car seat to a seatbelt trainer, potentially offering a longer usage lifecycle. Besides, its innovative SnugLock technology ensures fast and secure installation in less than a minute using the vehicle's seat belt or LATCH system, making it a breeze to switch between cars. Despite these stellar features, some parents have noted that the Graco model may not fit well in smaller vehicles and that the recline options are limited.

When comparing the weight capacities for the seats' configurations, Diono Radian 3R offers a maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds in its booster mode, giving it a slight lead over the Graco 4Ever DLX, which maxes out at 120 pounds. However, the Graco 4Ever DLX wins when we consider the forward-facing mode, with a maximum weight of 65 pounds compared to Diono's 65 pounds. This means the Graco 4Ever DLX might be a better choice if you have a heavier child who prefers forward-facing.

When considering approval for air travel, both models are FAA approved for their forward and rear-facing modes. If you're a frequent traveler, both these seats would be a good choice.

Given their similarities and differences, the choice between the Diono Radian 3R and the Graco 4Ever DLX will largely depend on your specific needs, vehicle size, and your child's size and preferences. For parents who will need to fit multiple car seats or have a smaller car, the slim design of the Diono Radian 3R will likely be a better choice.

On the other hand, if convenience and versatility across multiple growth stages are your top priority, the Graco 4Ever DLX offers compelling value with its 5-in-1 design. This car seat eliminates the need for purchasing multiple seats as your child grows, which in the long run could be more cost-effective despite the initial higher price point than the Diono Radian 3R.